Primary 3,4,5 have  been on trip to LHD fishmarket and electronic auction.  We were interested in finding out why the sea/fishing industry is so important to Shetland as well as experiencing different types of jobs involved in running a business.  We also used a lot of the information gathered in our ‘real life’ maths back in school.

Here is Shona and Finn’s account of the day..

We walked towards this massive building.  We went up steep stairs and were in a corridor, we could see the live electronic fish auction happening inside.

There was a big clock that had a light that went round. There were two big rectangles.  One was the fish that was about to be sold and the other was what was sold. 

The live fish auction – each person in the room might be bidding for about 100-200 companies. The seafood industry is really important and it is the biggest industry in Shetland.

Martin was our guide. He told us that this is the second biggest fishmarket in the country.

Different species  – how many can you name?

They are loads of fish. They are all graded into different sizes

Monkfish have very sharp looking teeth!

The temperature of this room is kept at 2 degrees.  This room had all the fish sorted, boxed and labelled. 

Ready for delivery

The Shetland Fisherman’s Association where Ruth told us all about So Much To Sea – and we got goodie bags!

Now it is time for us to try fish buying!

Who is going to get the best price?

As a buyer you have to watch the clock. It shows the price going down.  Someone could go for the fish any time before you so you have to be ready to bid.

..Ready to press the blue button..

Andrew the auctioneer answering all our questions about the electronic auction, we had lots!

Best trip ever!